Always at the Minister's side

Created: 09/26/2022, 07:00

By: Hans Moritz

On the same wavelength for years: Social Affairs Minister Ulrike Scharf (right) and her new personal advisor Nina Hieronymus (30) from Wartenberg.

© Ministry of Social Affairs

A new career is maturing in the shadow of Social Affairs Minister Ulrike Scharf - that of Nina Hieronymus from Wartenberg.

The 30-year-old is a personal assistant.

Erding - Your political paths have long run parallel, as has your ascent.

A few months after Ulrike Scharf became the new social affairs minister, her research assistant in the Erdinger polling district office brought her to Munich.

Nina Hieronymus Scharfs is now the personal assistant in the minister's office.

The 30-year-old from Wartenberg does not miss any topic and, above all, no appointment.

In addition to Scharf's office manager, Hieronymus is one of the minister's most important companions and advisers.

"I got her because she's just so good, because she's passionate about the issues and is very interested in politics," explains Scharf of her decision made in April.

She also praises the deep relationship of trust that has connected the two career women for years - in the state parliament as well as in the CSU and above all in the women's union.

A ministry with its department heads and high-ranking officials runs like clockwork, regardless of who is currently the minister.

But the closest contact is between the office manager, who is responsible for day-to-day business operations, and the personal assistant.

It is one of the few positions that Scharf has filled after her appointment on February 23, 2022.

Her office manager comes from the Ministry of the Environment, where she was Minister for four years until 2018.

Hieronymus' main task is the coordination of appointments - far beyond the constituency.

She views the inquiries, looks at the topics and their importance, and organizes Scharf's calendar.

And is also present during the visits, making notes of suggestions and questions that the ministry should take care of.

Ultimately, the woman from Wartenberg also decides where her boss goes, which people she meets and where she gives speeches.

She plays a key role in shaping Scharf's appointment calendar and occupies a key position.

In addition, the 30-year-old is responsible for Scharf's communication and also maintains the social media presence.

She says of herself: “I absorb political content.

I'm actually interested in everything.” It suits both of them to know each other for so long.

Hieronymus was in kindergarten with Scharf's son Andreas.

She completed her training as a travel agent at the travel agency Scharf before she went on to study two more in Munich and Innsbruck.

In the women's union, where Scharf has been state chair since 2019, Hieronymus has been leading the district association since 2021.

She also sits on the Wartenberg municipal council.

The vacant position in the Erdinger office has been filled again, at least on an interim basis, again with a confidant: Kathrin Wiesmaier, daughter of the mayor of Fraunberg.ham